Bab 9: Royal Trouble: Caught and Scolded
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CHAPTER 9 – Caught and Scolded
Sneaking back into the palace was as easy as she had snuck out.
However, Scarlet knew better than anyone she had bigger problems to face should her mother find her out.
All throughout that day, she remained indoors, feigning tiredness to keep her maids and parents off her case.
Of course, she knew her mother would be most worried about her health, and with that, she set out the next morning for breakfast with the royal household.
Morning came slower than she had hoped, but she had a reason to smile.
For now, it was not entirely safe to thread that path so soon. However, she knew if she wished to see that man again, she would need to do more than sit in the palace.
The beautiful morning sun seeped through the gaps of the uncovered window, sending its rays inside the dining hall and adding a certain shine to the thick silence that usually followed when a certain person was there.
Taking slow steps into the dining hall, Scarlet kept her chin up like the princess that she was, barely stopping to nod her head to the greetings of the servants.
The moment her feet got close to the table, they stopped and she lowered her head in reverence of the one being that seemed like darkness, some sort of plague to the royal household.
The barren queen.
At the very least, that was what her mother, Queen Diamonique always said but she knew better.
"Greetings, Queen Mother," she voiced gracefully, placing her right hand on her stomach.
Like the flowers that shone on a bright day, Queen Dawn's lashes fluttered as she moved her head to the side with delicacy and unfathomable grace.
"Scarlet, my child." She held out her right hand for her to take without looking at her face.
Understanding what she meant, Scarlet moved closer and held her hand, gently placing her forehead on it.
No sooner had she done that, than the doors pulled open revealing another graceful being, a red-haired lady, dressed in the finest shades of red and peach as her gown accentuated all of her curves.
The only difference between her and the other lady was her grace which radiated with the sun alongside her sharp-coloured outfit, a contrast to the plain green gown the first lady wore.
It was a radiance that announced the waking of a majestic bird as she spread her hands a bit at her side, like a peacock eagerly showing its feathers.
"Princess Scarlet," her gusty voice enunciated. "And technically, my child," she announced again, cat walking while all the servants present lowered their heads before her.
"Rise," she said, placing a foot in front of the other as she turned, facing the big table directly and more in the opposite direction of Queen Dawn.
Her words had come in sharp, cutting the heart of the queen but to her surprise, there was no change in the usually stoic expression of the queen.
Her lips held a hint of a smile, but the vicious look sent into her enemy's eyes told a different tale.
Lifting her head, Scarlet smiled sweetly at Queen Dawn. "How do you do, mother?"
"Fine as usual, but fancy you did not come to pay your respects this morning, I am guessing your health is still under," Queen Diamonique answered.
"Aye, but I was speaking to Her Majesty and not you, mother."
Her eyes dimmed at the clear insult her daughter had given to her. As usual, she flashed her smile but everyone knew it never came from within.
Not saying a word, Queen Diamonique took to her seat when it was pulled out by one of the servants.
In the big dining hall, a long table was situated at the centre with over fifteen chairs situated at either side of it and one, the big one, at the top of the table.
"Take your seat, Scarlet, before your mother chops off my head for it," Dawn warned silently while wearing a charming smile.
She was like a closed book. Unable to be read, save for the back cover which could be seen by all.
Two sides showed frequently, her indifferent side and her smiling side which came not as much.
The two sides of a book, the front and back and the very bane of Queen Diamonique.
"Of course, I dare not chop off your head, but I can theirs." Her gaze swept through the servants standing at either side of the hall as a bewitching smile adorned the corners of her lips.
"She is a princess, accord her that title. I do not want anyone disrespecting her."
"No one would. You can rest assured."
"Hmm, you say so now, but when the time comes, I wonder if you would speak those same words," Queen Diamonique said challengingly.
"Anytime any day. Anyone who does otherwise knows best that they shall dance to the silent tune being played."
"I…"
"His Royal Majesty," they heard the Royal Stewart announce and immediately all talking ceased as they rose to their feet to welcome him with their heads lowered.
"Rise," he quickly ordered and walked over to his seat, the last one at the top of the table.
Having sat down, his eyes scanned everyone present and nodded his head.
Immediately they obeyed and sat down.
All the while Scarlet was most grateful for her mother and Queen Dawn's bickering that they failed to notice the injury at the corner of her lips.
And she planned on fueling their words but seeing her father, he was smart and articulated. He would easily pick out her motive, which would be her drawing attention to herself.
Not that her sheer presence did not do that, being the only child and beloved princess of King Blaze.
To her joy though, the meals were served and everyone commenced eating.
Not wanting her mother's Raven eyes to be fixated on her, she sat by her side, the left-hand side of the king.
Unknown to her it became the perfect angle for prying eyes.
"Scarlet, what is that on your lips?"
"Huh?" her eyes widened as she gazed up at her father. He raised his brows silently questioning her and waiting for an answer.
"Oh, sauce."
"Sauce? I doubt. You're injured, Scarlet. And I know."
"What?!" Queen Diamonique half yelled at the speculations.
This was her only child and hearing she was injured was like a blow to her.
With eyes as wide as an eagle's she looked at her side and asked, "Is that true?"
No answer.
She did not know which to answer first – her raging mother or her father and the best option, now turned worse, the first queen.
"I won't repeat myself," Queen Diamonique demanded in a threatening voice.
At this point, Scarlet knew better than to annoy the red-haired queen.
"Yes. It is as she says."
"Scarlet!"
"I thought you said not to call her by her name," Queen Dawn teased, further irking her opponent.
Shaking his head, King Blaze was not ready for their feminine arguments and looked at his daughter.
"Tell me, how did this happen?"
"I fell off a horse."
"Where? When? How come the infirmary did not conform it and report to me?" King Blaze questioned incessantly.
"What were the servants doing?" Diamonique chimed in.
"The question I think you should ask is if she went at all."
'Busted.' Scarlet noted inwardly. 'So much for covering up.' She voiced in her mind.
"Answer, Scarlet. Did you go?" Her father thundered.
"No."
'Why?"
"Because of this. I did not want you to worry. it was just a fall while horse riding," she half lied.
"Really? Is that so?" Her mother's piercing gaze shot straight through her. "One more lie and you would be grounded."
Knowing her mother well, if she chose to get to the bottom of things, she would. And that would involve her torturing her servants and guards just to get what she wanted.
Thinking about the pain Cedrick suffered because of her the previous day, she could not make him suffer more.
In the end, she decided to tell the truth.
"I'm sorry, father," she began, evading all of their eyes. "I left the palace."
"And?"
"And I fell," she held her tongue once more.
"Is that all?" Queen Diamonique questioned. "Where was your personal bodyguard Cedrick when all of these happened? I should have him whipped thoroughly for failing in his duties."
Her eyes flew open at her mother's words and immediately she lowered her head before her.
"No. He is not at fault mother. Father, please."
"You are the kingdom's first and only princess, heir to the throne of Noterra," Queen Diamonique spat out, stealing a side glance at Queen Dawn.
"Your life is not just simple to be taken for granted. He knew this and let you wander off. He must face the consequences."
"No. I ordered him. And he is not well, father. Please. I only got the injury because we were ambushed. Please, father, I plead for leniency on him."
"You were what!" Her mother thundered, rising to her feet.
"Did you say ambush?" King Blaze inquired with quivering lips.
It was at this point, Scarlet knew the magnitude of trouble she had placed herself in. In hopes of saving her bodyguard, she spilt her secret.
'Damn it.' she cursed inwardly and bit down on her lower lip nervously.
"You're grounded!" Her mother finalized without a second thought.
Whipping her head up, she decided to plea, "But mother, you said if I told…"
Her words were immediately silenced by the deathly glare sent her way. Everything she had done, all to end up this way.
"Your mother is right. You are not to be left without supervision, nor are you allowed to leave the place till further notice."
"Father, no."
"As for your guard, he is relieved from his duties until he recovers with half is salary deducted this month. I think he has paid the price already."
"Not bad enough, I would say," Queen Diamonique chipped in.
"Still thirsty for blood?" Queen Dawn questioned.
"No. She is royal."
"It is enough!" King Blaze bellowed, shutting both ladies up. "Next time, he would think twice before obeying you, rather than me."
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